On this week’s episode of the Take 2 Podcast, Heidi Hatch is joined by Maura Carabello of the Exoro Group and KNRS host and former House Speaker Greg Hughes to break down a busy week in politics, from national feuds to shifting Utah leadership.
The Trump–Musk Bromance Ends
What began as a mutual admiration between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has unraveled in public view. Musk recently criticized the federal deficit, saying, “We have a $2 trillion deficit. It keeps growing. Our interest payments are higher than our defense department budget.” That didn’t sit well with Trump. While the split has sparked national chatter, Utah Sen. Mike Lee tried to play peacemaker, saying simply, “But I really like both of them.”
New Leadership in Utah’s House GOP
Following a special election, Utah House Republicans selected a new leadership team:
- Speaker: Mike Schultz
- Majority Leader: Casey Snider
- Majority Whip: Candice Pierucci
- Assistant Whip: Bridger Bolinder
Utah Democrats Elect New Party Leaders
Roughly 1,400 delegates, both in person and remote, participated in the Utah Democratic Party’s convention over the weekend. Former lawmaker and 2024 gubernatorial candidate Brian King was elected party chair. Other leadership includes:
- Vice Chair: Susan Merrill
- Secretary: Brad Dickter
- Treasurer: Catherine Voutaz
King, who spent 16 years in the Utah Legislature, will now steer the party into 2026 and beyond.
GOP Lawmakers Threaten Legislation Over Pride Month
Utah Jazz and the Utah Mammoth celebrating Pride Month sparked pushback from some Republican lawmakers. Rep. Trevor Lee posted on X, “Nothing makes Utahns more mad when political ideologies get pushed into their lives Watch for some significant legislation this next session that pushes back onto these woke groups!” The debate centers on whether tax dollars should support private entities that publicly support LGBTQ+ causes.
Cox Appoints Former Reyes Aide to Lead Records Office
Gov. Spencer Cox named Lonny Pehrson to lead Utah’s new Government Records Office. Pehrson previously served in the Attorney General’s Office and was involved in efforts to keep AG Sean Reyes’ calendar from public disclosure, raising concerns from transparency advocates.
Utah Supreme Court Justice to Step Down
Justice John Pearce will leave the bench in December after a decade on the state’s high court. In his resignation, Pearce said he plans to return to private practice and continue teaching at the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law. Cox will appoint a replacement from a list of seven candidates provided by the Appellate Nominating Commission. Senate confirmation is required.
ATVs Return to Glen Canyon
Off-road vehicles are officially back at Glen Canyon after former President Trump signed a resolution overturning a National Park Service rule. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Celeste Maloy and Sens. John Curtis and Mike Lee, restores ATV access to 24 miles of park roads.
Phil Lyman Teases 'Major Announcement'
Utah Rep. Phil Lyman hinted at a big development as a public interest group from the East Coast plans to file a lawsuit in the state.
Listen to the full episode of the Take 2 Podcast for in-depth commentary from Heidi, Maura, and Greg.
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